Biga on the Banks: 203 S. St. Mary's St., 210-225-0722, www.biga.com. Chef/owner Bruce Auden continues to dazzle at this local favorite that features a bit of Texas, Asia and more. If sticky pudding is on the dessert menu, order it. less

Biga on the Banks: 203 S. St. Mary's St., 210-225-0722, www.biga.com. Chef/owner Bruce Auden continues to dazzle at this local favorite that features a bit of Texas, Asia and more. If sticky pudding is on the ... more

Bliss: 926 S. Presa St., 210-225-2547, www.foodisbliss.com. Chef/owner Mark Bliss has ventured out on his own, and San Antonians have taken to his new venture with its appealing setting and contemporary American menu. less

Bliss: 926 S. Presa St., 210-225-2547, www.foodisbliss.com. Chef/owner Mark Bliss has ventured out on his own, and San Antonians have taken to his new venture with its appealing setting and contemporary ... more

Chris Madrid's: 1900 Blanco Road, 210-735-3552, www.chrismadrids.com. This longtime favorite serves some of the most-beloved burgers and nachos in the city. A casual family atmosphere adds to the fun. less

The Cove: 606 W. Cypress St., 210-227-2683, www.thecove.us. This family-friendly restaurant offers a play area for the kids and good food for adults, including a Texas Burger that Texas Monthly named as one of the 50 best burgers in the state. less

El Bucanero: 16505 Blanco Road, 210-408-9297, elbucanerosa.com. Even with two locations, this local favorite fills up quickly and lines are often long, but the wonderful seafood dishes from the interior of Mexico make the lines worth it. less

Lüke: 125 E. Houston St., 210-227-5853, lukesanantonio.com. This is a New Orleans-based restaurateur and chef John Besh's first foray outside the Crescent City. It doesn't get better, or more affordable, than the Happy Hour here. less

The Luxury: 103 E. Jones Ave., 210-354-2274, on Facebook. This restaurant in converted cargo containers from chef/restaurateur Andrew Weissman offers an intriguing fish banh mi topped with a fried egg. The french fries are some of the best in the city. Period. less

Magnolia Pancake Haus: 606 Embassy Oaks, Suite 100, 10333 Huebner Road, 210-496-0828 (both locations), www.magnolia pancakehaus.com. The lines are long at both locations, but the breakfast items, including fabulous pancakes and waffles, make the food worth the wait. less

Nao: 312 E. Grayson St. at Pearl, 210-554-6484, www.naorest aurant.com. Sophisticated and stylish dishes from the Americas at a teaching restaurant that combines professional staff with students from the adjacent Culinary Institute of America campus. less

Rosario's Mexican Cafe y Cantina: 910 S. Alamo St., 210-223-1806, www.rosariossa.com. A favorite of locals and visitors for its energetic atmosphere, consistently good dishes and great margaritas. Great people watching, too. less